Million Men March

["Gonzalez, Francisco" <GONZALEZ@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

To all:

Like others in this list, I will like to discuss any  ideas on how the
Left can capitalize on the momentum created by the MMM, by addressing the
issues that concern Black America thru "understanding" African-American
culture/traditions/conditions. The "conservative" tone of Farrkhan's
message is

consistent with the deeply held beliefs of the community (also shared in
many respects by Latinos and Asians) regarding the importance of work,
family, religion, community and responsibility. IMO there is no reason
why a Left solution to the racism/poverty and oppression of people of
color cannot incorporate these elements. The Right, as defenders of the
status quo regarding economic and political power, are incapable of
providing ANY solutions to the plight of Blacks and minorities. At best,
they might gain some points with their social agenda, but reality will
sooner or later sink in (school prayer does not help feed your family, or
stop racism by outlawing abortion).

   The homophobia, anti-feminism, anti-semitism and racism from the NOI
and Farrakhan will be ignored by most Blacks once they are mobilized in
support of a political agenda with realistic goals and personal/cultural
relevance.

   Two last points: First, traditional Islam has very little in common
with the separatist/anti-semitic agenda of the NOI. As Malcom X realized,
"true" Islam could serve to increase cultural pride/identity among Blacks
and still be inclusive (brotherhood of "mankind" and respect for Jews and
Christians are EXPLICIT commandments on the Q'ran). Progressive Black
Moslems should be encouraged to speak about Islam and against the bigotry
of the NOI.

   Second, going back to my initial posting regarding the White militias
and the NOI: what I meant is that even in the worst of scenarios, the NOI
will NEVER be a mayor player in the American political arena, and that is
why IMO it would be a good tactic for the Left to take advantage of this
opportunity created by Farrakhan (even cooperating with NOI in some
instances) in order to weaken the Republican Right.

   White militias/Patriots/ extreme right-wing COULD conceivable take
over the US someday: they have the population base and access to the
political/economic/military power base of the country. Their success will
signify the elimination (physical or otherwise) of most of the people in
this list. Nothing that the NOI does or plans to do would ever have the
same impact, or pose a similar threat to the progressive forces in this
country.



En solidaridad,

Francisco J. Gonzalez

gonzalez@xxxxxxxxxxxx





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